Vegan San Choi Bao

I know Im being slack on writing my progress, ill keep trying!

On the weekend I stocked up on supplies for week 3 of my detox. Saturday I went to Mr Vitamins on bronte road, bondi junction to get a few staples. I think I had been craving some protein so I picked up a bag of Tvp which is a vegan protein product that I have been using for a long time. It's extremely versatile, easy to use and very cheap. A bag is usually around $2.50 and you will get around 15 serves out of that.
On Sunday I went to the Marrickville markets with another health minded friend to stock up on organic produce. It was my first time to the markets and I instantly fell in-love. The vibe was one of a community and There was an equal distribution of fresh produce, yummy healthy market made meals and nick nacks new and old.

So withy fresh Produce and my TVP I decided to make a delicious Asian Dish that i have bern making for a while called San choi bao

This recipe is so versatile you can really change it up as much as you like. I'm going to provide my traditional recipe but I will highlight what changes I made for the detox period.

Ingredients
1 cup of TVP
1/2 Onion diced
tablespoon Ginger grated
1 Chilli
Tablespoon Sesame oil
1 cup Silken tofu
Soy sauce
Crushed peanuts
Mushroom
Zucchini
Red capsicum
Dice all of these veggies or use a thin grater
Lime
Mint and coriander
Big Lettuce leaves (any kind will do but iceberg or butter lettuce is good)

Soak the Tvp with water and soy for 15 mins
put sesame oil in the pan, fry up the onion, ginger and chilli then add the Tvp and fry for a couple I'd minutes
I use a thin mandolin grater for the zucchini, add this and the capsicum and mushroom to the pan for a coupe of minutes and you're done.
Lay big lettuce leaves down and scoop the mixture on to them. Sprinkle the herbs, nuts and line ontop and wrap up and enjoy!

So as I said, this recipe is very versatile. Try different veggies or nuts and I'm sure it'll still taste fab.

Last night I used mrs browns protein sauce instead if soy. I used a dash of olive oil instead of sesame. I kept the veggies raw and added Cherie tomatoes. And I sprinkled almonds ontop instead if peanuts.

Public Transportitis

Since moving to the city, I have really struggled with my daily commute. So many people and absolutely no courtesy.  I have always struggled a bit with crowds, but this was unbelievable. On one instance I let 5 trains go by with out attempting to board and then when I finally did, the train filled so quick there was no space and I was pushed by a mass of people to continue on to the train regardless. I flipped! I had no control over it either, pure panic attack. Needless to say I didn't get on that train either.

Catching public transport in Sydney is definitely unpleasant. If you're not moving with the traffic, be prepared to get knocked down. Where people think their sports bag deserves a seat more so than a human being. And the regular crazies run screaming up and down the carriage. It doesn't surprise me then that some people from Sydney city can often be perceived as hard or even rude. They've grown up with this, I'm astounded that children in the city catch the public transport just like everyone else. No quaint little school bus bumping down the old dirt road like I was used to. They have to battle the human traffic with backpacks twice their siZe.

So what of the health implications of public transport? Well yes we are doing some good for the environment by cutting down on car emissions and reducing the number of car parks being built. But what of the stress attached to this daily regulation?

We should not underestimate the significance of overcrowding as a source of stress. Crowding  forces us into closer contact with strangers than we would often like, an invasion of personal space, prevents us form achieving our goals by getting where we want to get when we want to get there.  All of these stressors have the potential to range from unnoticeable to catastrophic depending on the conditions encountered on a particular journey. Many studies have confirmed the direct effect of crowding releases stress hormones into our bodies.

Stress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, digestive issues, elevated blood pressure, problems sleeping, physical aches and pains among a number of other aliments. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen diseases.

So how do we combat this? I've tried a few different things. Listening to relaxing music on my ipod during the commute, imagining I'm watch a movie and the Sydney underground is actually the New York tube station. Heading to work earlier to avoid crowds, seems everyone has the same idea though! 

Have any ideas on combating the stress of public transport?

A bit more about the Metagenics Detox

So I've yet to really talk about the Metagenics detox, what it involves and what it claims to do. A friend if mine did an express Metagenics detox a few months back and recommended it.

As the supplements included with this detox are practitioner only I was under the impression I'd need to got to the Naturopath to obtain. I did a bit more research online and found a website that allowed you to purchase Metagenics after completing a simple survey. Hygiology  was great to deal with, prompt and friendly. They saved me the time of going to the Naturopath to get a product I new wanted and probably cheaper too I imagine.

The Metagenics Integrated Detoxification Program works detoxifying all of the key detoxification organs(digestive system, and liver) instead of just the liver as in most mainstream detox programs. The program also insures that the organs are detoxified in their correct order to reduce any unpleasant side affects and ensure you get the most out of your detox.

The program is divided into 3 stages:
Stage 1: remove – This stage treats the digestive system first and foremost and acts to remove bad
bacteria and waste from your digestive system.

Stage 2: renew – This stage focuses on your digestive system and kidneys, and also works on alkalising
your body. In this stage you will be renewing and rebuilding your digestive lining, as well as replacing
the bad bacteria with healthy ones and improving your digestive function.

 Stage 3: release – The final stage of the Metagenics Integrated Detoxification Program focuses on
supporting your liver and helping your body release toxins more effectively


There are supplements prescribed to assist with the detoxification at each stage. I will write more about each stage in future posts. In the meantime, feel free to check it out on this website.

Rise and shine Sydney

I'm not very good at sleeping in..... Which is good because mornings are the best part of the day. The air is fresh, the sky is beautiful, birds are singing and there aren't so many people around.

This morning I made my most processed meal yet..... A smoothie. My problem was the only fresh food I had left in the fridge was some bananas. Besides that I had consumed my whole organic loot from last Saturday. I could write for ever about the goodness in all of these ingredients regardless of the fact they aren't fresh or raw but Ill save that for another time as Im off to the markets to get some more organic fruit and vege!!!

• 1 Banana
• Frozen Berries
• 1 tsp Maca Powder
• 1 tsp Matcha Green Tea Powder
• 1 tsp Vital Greens Powder
• 1 Tbsp Psyllium Husks
• 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
• 1 Tbsp Ground Flaxeed
• 1 tsp Coconut oil
• 1 Tsp Rosehip powder - Go-po
• Two Tablespoons of pea protein powder

I usually like to add some fresh kale and baby spinach and sometimes some avocado!!!

Coconuts.. The nut that just keeps on giving

Coconut water, coconut oil, dried coconut, fresh dry coconut, young coconut meat, coconut flour, the list goes on. This glorious nut provides so much nutritious goodness. So lets talk about coconut oil today...Used for 1000's of years to heal due to it's medicinal powers. An Anti-microbial fat, Coconut oil has anti viral properties and is amazing for digestive issues and eradicating bad bacteria from the digestive tract.

Although it is a saturated fat, and one of the few vegetarian fats to be saturated, coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). As your body does not normally store MCFAs and converts them into energy, kick starting your metabolism and assisting with weight loss.

There is also some new research on the effects of coconut oil for people with Alzheimers which I find very interesting but I need to read up a bit more on this fact.

Check out the Coconut Research Centre which has a heap of interesting facts the health benefits coconuts.

Like me friend Leah did with her Larb recipe posted as comment to my previous post, its easy to substitute other oils for coconut oil and you can either use a full flavoured oil or a one without.. I prefer with of course! Those without are most likely more processed, plus the flavour is so amazing why would yo not want it. Choose unrefined coconut oil which will usually be labelled as virgin. You should try and get oil which is in a dark glass as plastic can leach flavours and other nasties. Also keep the oil in a cool dark place tightly sealed but not in the fridge.Tonight I made roasted vegetables using coconut oil. I then mixed these through some baby spinach leaves with a handful of chic peas and a drizzle of lemon and tahini. So delicious and filling I only ate half a bowl.... so unlike me!! Maybe Im starting to learn when full is ;-)


Just remember, Coconut oil still does have a high fat content and while it is such a valuable fat to be consuming, everything in moderation. I would keep any oil consumption to 2 level tablespoons a day.

Trials and tests and a bunch of good fun

Today was my first 2 tests... Happy to say I succeeded. Birthday celebrations in the office with party food of course. I had a few olives and some rice crackers and made myself an avocado and wasabi dip. This was my afternoon snack and within my 4 meal day limit.

Then tonight was a big test! Dinner and a gig, and who doesn't enjoy a good old fashion beer out of a plastic cup when watching live music. Bloc party were awesome! Bopped along happily without an alcoholic beverage, and dinner prior was a bowl of roast veggies and a handful if nuts. There is always options on the menu if u look close enough.

Defining hungry

End of day two. I know it seems like a meager milestone but for someone who is always hungry, that's a baby step worth posting about. I have cut my normal 6-8(small) meals a day to 4. To be honest I haven't been ravished by hunger like I usually am all day. Which makes me think its either a mind over matter situation or grazing doesn't suit me. The meals I have been eating over the last couple of days are much like I would normally eat, but any of the extra crap that would slip through the seams either side of those healthy meals has been cut out.

My digestive system is feeling a little unsure. A little gassy, a little blocked up, but not feeling disgusting. I do seem to struggle generally with too much raw food.

Anyway, onwards and upwards. Tonight's dinner was a mix of steamed organic veggies with tempeh, herbs and a teaspoon of tahini. Pretty tasty and a good sized serving cause I'm.... Hungry! Ha ha

Check out my loot

Bondi junction in sydney has an awesome orginic store called About life. I went there on Saturday for breakfast and had a delicious quinoa porridge that had been cooked with coconut milk and cinnamon with walnuts and banana. It Was delicious! The variety of healthy vego food options in the cafe is amazing.

Although the store has a great variety of organic staples, their fruit and veg is limited and pricey. A friend told me a but a hole in the wall store across the road which sells organic much cheaper. So I did my shop there. I think its called Just Organics at 246 Oxford Street Bondi Junction. $60 for all this plus a free drinking coconut. I wonder how long this shop will last....

The last hoorah!

Yesterday was my last hoorah... A party on a boat on the Sydney harbour. It was a glorious day. Im pleased to say that I did not over indulge either! A couple of drinks and a salad roll. I had corn chips late at night after skipping dinner... but they were macrobiotic so I'll pretend that's ok.

Today I stocked up on my organic fruit and vege from my local organic store. I prepared nice pumpkin lentil salad that will last me a till Thursday at least. I have quinoa, Asian greens and Tempeh for my dinner and fruit with flaxeed for breaky.

Wish me luck for day 1! and the 41 days to follow!

Organic fruit and veg

Two days before detox and its time to start preparing my fridge. I buy organic staples 70 % of the time. They seem to be a bit easier to get in the mainstream supermarket these days. Fruit and vege on the other hand requires a trip to the organic grocer. Without the luxury of having a car, those trips a few and far between. Combined with my internal fight with my financial conscious, I think organic fruit and vege would be purchased 30%.

 But I want to go the whole hog with this detox. That means eliminating all chemicals, including those that have been sprayed or injected in to my produce. Tomorrow I will make the trip out to the organic grocer and stock up on supplies for the 1st week of the detox.

I found a super cute and interesting you tube clip of an experiment a little girl did with her grandma. Check it out! Whats your thought son Organic???


 Organic Potato project

The toxic body

Today I spent the day in bed. I felt so unwell like I had been hit by a train. Swollen glands, emphasised by swollen wisdom teeth. Feeling lethargic with a throbbing headache. These symptoms of the flu don't tend to creep up on me.. I usually know that they are coming. The past couple of weeks have been busy and topped off with a flat out 4 days of fun with my best friend (which included lots of eating and drinking) and this day was bound to happen. To be honest, I can't be 100% sure its not the flu, everyone in my office had it last week. However the repetition of the prelude and main event makes me think that this is my bodies response to my misuse of it and the effect is a toxic meltdown!

I often talk with my friends about the toxic effects that what I consume has on my body and they are all dumbfounded by my comments as they believe me to have the healthiest diet around. I do eat relatively healthy, 80% of the time. However the 20% of the time when I binge on not so healthy stuff has extreme effects on me. I believe this is most likely due to the fact I have Crohn's disease which is something I will talk about more at a later stage. It's an auto immune disease which effects my digestive system. Most people take medication, but I have managed the disease with diet and lifestyle for over 10 years. 

Today I read a really interesting blog called The Alkaline Sisters. While the entry I read on detoxing slightly contradicts my quest, as they state that following an alkaline diet is enough to detox the body safely, I strongly support their overview of the causes and symptoms of the toxic effects of the chemicals that surround us, that we consume and that we put on our bodies along with the toxins released by stress.

I am definitely interested in some more reading on the Alkaline theory. But in the meantime, 3 days till detox and for this mission I will be supporting my efforts with the Metagenics detox kit.

One last kick

5 days to go until the detox starts. In an attempt to avoid the affects of complete cold turkey I am cutting out coffee early. Today is my last coffee and I get to use my loyalty card which us a bonus and A nice way to tie of a loose end....Aka a loose coffee card with one free coffee on it floating around in my purse for the next 6 weeks tempting me.

I love coffee! Love it for its taste, its warmth and its leagal and cheap ability to convert me from the land of the living dead to fully functioning human being. I believe the research studies which make claims on the beneficial effects of coffee.

However, I do believe I take advantage of it. When I get run down, tired or stressed I begin to rely on it, so desperate for the kick I will drink it in any form, at any time, totally disrespecting the quality of this substance.

I have previously gone on long stints of being coffee free so i don't believe this will be too hard, although I am already looking forward to rewarding myself at the End with a nice soy late. Going to Melbourne in May... Wonder if I could last till then?!?

And so it begins

I have been saying for all too long now that I need to do a detox. After my holiday, in the new year, after my birthday, after my best friends birthday.... Oh excuses, excuses, excuses! Well enough is enough. My toxicity levels are high and I just can't continue on feeling unwell 50% of the time... I want to feel fantastic all the time!!.

Today I made the commitment to my detox by purchasing my herbal supplements for the 6 week Metagenics detox programme. I hope that the products will arrive by Monday which is when I plan to begin my quest. ... Yes my last excuse is this weekend. a party on a boat i must attend, but will aim to act in moderation.... I really dont want to make it a last hoorah as im sure it will take another week of recovering before i start my detox if I do.

I will be aiming to post every day from now till the end of my detox to talk about my progress, background reasons for doing it and share my recipes and tips. If you have completed this detox before, I'd love to get your comments, tips, meals and feedback.

Cheers, and wish me luck!!! X